Semiconductor Oxide Gas Sensors

Recommended Prerequisites

Semiconductors and solid-state physics.

Teaching Methods

The curricular unit uses both seminar as tutorial classes, for exposition of the subjects addressed and for preparation of the research work, respectively.

Learning Outcomes

Comprehension of the physical and chemical phenomena behind the detection process of gases by means of semiconductors. Fabrication and characterisation process of sensors. Fabrication and characterisation of one semiconducting sensor.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Characterisation of semiconducting oxide gas sensors. Oxides surface: basic surface reactions. Conduction mechanisms and electrical response of the sensors. Semiconducting oxides: electrical response due to semiconducting material type. Surface oxygen relation with adsorption and desorption process. Oxidizing and reducing gases. Sensor type, function of the sensing principle. Measuring electrodes: adhesion and geometry influence, in the sensors electrical response. Catalysts.

Head Lecturer(s)

Pedro Manuel Gens de Azevedo de Matos Faia

Assessment Methods

Assessment
The evaluation of the course is the sum of two components: 1) 50% of the final mark consists in a seminar work, preparatory of the experimental work which will follow; 2) the remaining 50% will be the experimental work itself: 100.0%

Bibliography

Toshko G. Nenov and all, "Ceramic Sensors: Technology and Applications"

P.T.Moseley and all, "Techniques and mechanisms in gas sensing"